[Hack&Lube]

Originally Posted by HitterD

I really don't want to get the Domestic vs Import debate going again, but I'll just put in my opinion.

I buy nothing but american made cars nowadays.

From my friends, family and my own experience, There is really not a huge difference in reliability between the two. Many friends have got lemons from Honda and Toyota for example. I've never had a major problem with Chevy, but I know people who have.

The point is, all car manufacturers make lemons. In fact, buying a car in general is really a crapshoot. You just get unlucky sometimes.

I read a report from JB Power and Associates (?) on CP last year that really confirmed this for me. (can't seem to find the thread) The reports looked at alot of the car manufacturers, and the average repairs in the first 2 years with the vehicle. The results were very close, and GM actually came out ahead of Toyota for that year.

In my opinion, I'll buy a domestic from now on, especially used. A Honda or Toyota are more expensive, and IMO you don't get much more value for what you pay for them. They tend to be more expensive to repair as well, and if they aren't REALLY that much more reliable than domestics, why spend the extra cash?

The way I look at it is, if I'm going to spend $3000 more for an equivilant import vehicle as compared to a domestic, what are the chances that I will have $3000 more in repairs 9on the domestic) during the time I have the vehicle? I think its unlikely, therefore I'll buy the domestic.

Anyway, to each there own. I just don't want people to get misinformed. ANY car on the used market can be unreliable, and I'd doubt that domestic cars will be any better or worse than a Honda or Toyota. You just need to get lucky either way.

Just wanted to point out that import vs. domestic is simply only in name. IE: Honda Civics are made in Alliston Ontario as are plenty of other "imports". Generally however, resale value is typically a little higher with lower depreciation for "imports" down the line. But it's true that every manufacturer has problems. It really comes down to specific models and years if you want to maximize your reliability.